Indoor/Outdoor Kitchens Are Just the Thing for Summer
We’re lucky to live in a climate where our daily lives often revolve around the outdoors, so why not cook up a storm al fresco?
Kerryn Ramsey
26 October 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator,... More
If you want to give your kitchen an inside-outside flow, there are many different configurations that can be designed to work with your layout. They range from a tuckshop-style bar with a retractable awning to a built-in barbie adjacent to the kitchen. The indoor-outdoor kitchen concept works on the ground floor or on an elevated deck, and is the perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather by cooking and eating outdoors. If you are considering installing one, here are some super ideas to incorporate.
1. Natural connection
Rather than demarcating a kitchen and outdoor dining area, it’s possible to naturally merge the two elements. Here, the space can be used as a fully indoor or outdoor zone – large glass windows and billowing curtains make the space cosy and intimate, or open it up to the elements. Polished concrete flooring and a plywood ceiling create a strong link between indoors and out, while lowering the dining table demarcates the two areas. Innovative and contemporary, this zone is ideal for any season.
Plan a kitchen that spills outside
Rather than demarcating a kitchen and outdoor dining area, it’s possible to naturally merge the two elements. Here, the space can be used as a fully indoor or outdoor zone – large glass windows and billowing curtains make the space cosy and intimate, or open it up to the elements. Polished concrete flooring and a plywood ceiling create a strong link between indoors and out, while lowering the dining table demarcates the two areas. Innovative and contemporary, this zone is ideal for any season.
Plan a kitchen that spills outside
2. Social scene
When a servery is placed outside a kitchen, it makes perfect sense to integrate an outdoor sink and storage unit beneath it. No space is wasted and things can be easily passed through the sliding windows. All that extra bench space also makes life easier for the barbie cook. If one partner is preparing in the kitchen and the other is working on the barbecue during a get-together, guests can chat to both of them and no-one misses out.
When a servery is placed outside a kitchen, it makes perfect sense to integrate an outdoor sink and storage unit beneath it. No space is wasted and things can be easily passed through the sliding windows. All that extra bench space also makes life easier for the barbie cook. If one partner is preparing in the kitchen and the other is working on the barbecue during a get-together, guests can chat to both of them and no-one misses out.
3. Servery with large bi-fold windows
A servery is an ideal option for a family, especially one with young kids. It allows parents to keep an eye on the youngsters, particularly while washing up. Another bonus is that this format works well in a small U-shaped kitchen, creating extra space by encouraging family and friends to sit outside.
Adding a servery to your kitchen
A servery is an ideal option for a family, especially one with young kids. It allows parents to keep an eye on the youngsters, particularly while washing up. Another bonus is that this format works well in a small U-shaped kitchen, creating extra space by encouraging family and friends to sit outside.
Adding a servery to your kitchen
4. Wheeled table
Introducing a wheeled high table on to an outdoor terrace or deck gives a space plenty of flexibility. It’s ideal when a family dines outside with easy access to the barbie area and kitchen. But if the owners are planning to have a special occasion with a large group, the wheeled table can simply be moved to a corner and used for drinks and glasses, various platters or finger foods.
Introducing a wheeled high table on to an outdoor terrace or deck gives a space plenty of flexibility. It’s ideal when a family dines outside with easy access to the barbie area and kitchen. But if the owners are planning to have a special occasion with a large group, the wheeled table can simply be moved to a corner and used for drinks and glasses, various platters or finger foods.
5. Full kitchen/dining area
The concept of bringing a fully equipped kitchen with a living and dining area into the outdoors was once considered impossible. But these days, modern materials and appliances coupled with clever design makes nearly anything possible. Here, the vertical plants create a living wall of green while the roof is gently sloped to drain rainfall away from the entertaining area. A built-in fireplace was installed in the comfy living area, to keep the space toasty even during the chilly months.
The concept of bringing a fully equipped kitchen with a living and dining area into the outdoors was once considered impossible. But these days, modern materials and appliances coupled with clever design makes nearly anything possible. Here, the vertical plants create a living wall of green while the roof is gently sloped to drain rainfall away from the entertaining area. A built-in fireplace was installed in the comfy living area, to keep the space toasty even during the chilly months.
6. First-floor dining
When a kitchen is designed on the first floor, it’s often tricky to have an adjacent outdoor zone, unless you already have a deck or balcony built alongside. Some advice from an architect, designer or engineer will go a long way toward creating a spacious pavilion with an outdoor feel at a high level.
In this elevated home, all the necessities for entertaining outdoors are present, with a kitchen that extends from inside the home out to the wraparound timber deck, an outdoor dining area and, of course, that incredible bush view.
When a kitchen is designed on the first floor, it’s often tricky to have an adjacent outdoor zone, unless you already have a deck or balcony built alongside. Some advice from an architect, designer or engineer will go a long way toward creating a spacious pavilion with an outdoor feel at a high level.
In this elevated home, all the necessities for entertaining outdoors are present, with a kitchen that extends from inside the home out to the wraparound timber deck, an outdoor dining area and, of course, that incredible bush view.
7. Inside/outside feel
Rather than a normal U-shaped kitchen, the different sections are separated in this space, giving it a more open feel. Positioning two sinks between the kitchen and the outdoor zone makes it easy to cook and clean whether you’re using the oven or the barbecue. The large open doors with a view over the harbour let the space be filled with fresh ocean breezes.
Rather than a normal U-shaped kitchen, the different sections are separated in this space, giving it a more open feel. Positioning two sinks between the kitchen and the outdoor zone makes it easy to cook and clean whether you’re using the oven or the barbecue. The large open doors with a view over the harbour let the space be filled with fresh ocean breezes.
8. Rustic look
Just because you’re cooking outside doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to the elements. This rustic covered kitchen is cosy and comfy while still being open to the breeze. Sliding glass doors lead directly in to the interior of the house, making it easy to eat inside or out.
Browse more outdoor kitchens
Just because you’re cooking outside doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to the elements. This rustic covered kitchen is cosy and comfy while still being open to the breeze. Sliding glass doors lead directly in to the interior of the house, making it easy to eat inside or out.
Browse more outdoor kitchens
9. Central pavilion
Even with very little room available, it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor dining. This house wraps around a courtyard, creating a sweet space to barbecue and dine. Protected from the wind, the area also doubles as a great place for entertaining. Clever planning sees the barbecue positioned well if it rains, while the tiled seat/planter is impervious to water.
Even with very little room available, it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor dining. This house wraps around a courtyard, creating a sweet space to barbecue and dine. Protected from the wind, the area also doubles as a great place for entertaining. Clever planning sees the barbecue positioned well if it rains, while the tiled seat/planter is impervious to water.
10. Taking it to the max
Here, the built-in barbecue, fireplace, breakfast bar, dining area and seating options are all positioned in an expansive and light-filled weatherproof space, where the line between indoors and out is completely blurred. A swimming pool is positioned on the other side of the glass fence, making it a great place for adults to relax while the kids have a dip. The opaque skylights allow in plenty of light, while the ceiling fans keep the space cool even during the hottest summer.
Here, the built-in barbecue, fireplace, breakfast bar, dining area and seating options are all positioned in an expansive and light-filled weatherproof space, where the line between indoors and out is completely blurred. A swimming pool is positioned on the other side of the glass fence, making it a great place for adults to relax while the kids have a dip. The opaque skylights allow in plenty of light, while the ceiling fans keep the space cool even during the hottest summer.
TELL US
Do you cook outdoors in a purpose-built kitchen? What do you like best about it? Tell us all about it in the Comments.
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Read more stories about great kitchen features
Do you cook outdoors in a purpose-built kitchen? What do you like best about it? Tell us all about it in the Comments.
MORE
Read more stories about great kitchen features
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the converse also applies M&B. Items once considered indoor are often found outdoors now (or under Al Frescos)
evanandleanne that is true, but one thing to bear in mind is that some specifically indoor materials may be get used outdoors can have limitations and exposure to the elements can cause problems... as the saying goes "always read the label carefully... or ask an expert"
Indoor/Outdoor kitchens are amazing for entertaining......from family dinners to larger parties.